Shockwave (ESWT) for Musculoskeletal Conditions

Struggling with chronic pain in your joints, tendons, or muscles? Whether it’s nagging plantar fasciitis, stubborn tennis elbow, or ongoing shoulder pain, extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) — commonly known as shockwave therapy — might be the relief you’ve been looking for. 

At Regenerative Medicine of Iowa, PC, in West Des Moines, Iowa, board-certified physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist Michael D. Jackson, MD, FAAPMR, offers this noninvasive treatment as a way to stimulate healing in damaged tissues without surgery or medication. 

Here’s what you need to know. 

What is shockwave therapy? 

Shockwave therapy uses high-energy sound waves (not electrical shocks) that are delivered directly to the injured area through a handheld device. These waves: 

• Stimulate blood flow and tissue regeneration
• Reduce inflammation and pain
• Break down scar tissue or calcium deposits 
• Promote faster healing in chronic injuries 

The procedure is quick, usually taking about 15-30 minutes, and typically requires no downtime. 

Conditions treated with shockwave therapy

ESWT is especially effective for chronic, hard-to-treat musculoskeletal issues. Common conditions it can help with include: 

• Plantar fasciitis (heel or arch pain)
• Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) 
• Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis)
• Calcific shoulder tendinopathy 
• Patellar tendinitis (jumper’s knee)
• Achilles tendinitis 
• Hip bursitis
• Trigger points and muscle knots 

Many patients turn to shockwave therapy when other conservative treatments haven’t worked. 

What to expect during and after treatment

Worried about pain or downtime? Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect: 

During your procedure 

During the procedure, we apply a gel to the targeted area to help transmit the sound waves, and we use a handheld applicator to deliver gentle pulses. While you might feel a tapping or tingling sensation, most patients find the treatment very tolerable. 

After your session

After treatment, you may experience mild soreness or swelling, similar to what you’d feel after a workout. There’s no downtime, so most people can return to normal activities right away. Full results typically appear after three to five sessions, spaced about a week apart. 

Benefits of ESWT

Shockwave therapy is gaining traction, and for good reason. It’s non-invasive, requires no downtime, and can help stimulate healing in stubborn musculoskeletal conditions where other treatments have failed (plus, it provides long-term relief and is considered safe and well-tolerated). 

If you’ve been dealing with pain for more than six months and have tried rest, physical therapy, or medication with little success, ESWT might be a smart next step. 

To learn more and see if ESWT is the right fit for your condition, call us at 515-531-2664 to schedule your appointment today!